Dubbo has lost a "salt-of- the-earth" solicitor who put the needs of others before his own for more than half a century.
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Tributes have flowed for Peter Simon Duffy, 87, understood to have died peacefully in his bed on Thursday.
Mr Duffy joined his brother Michael in following their grandfather and father into the law, building on a family commitment to help those in need including Aboriginal people.
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In 1995, he was named the Law Society of NSW's pro bono lawyer of the year for his unpaid work.
Mr Duffy joined Dubbo-based MJ. Duffy & Son, now DuffyElliott Lawyers, in 1969 and was senior managing director upon his retirement in 2011.
In 2015, the Orana Law Society (OLS) bestowed life membership on Mr Duffy.
On Friday, OLS secretary and solicitor at DuffyElliott Lawyers, Jennifer Spear, told of a "generous and compassionate" man who never turned people away.
"I came into the practice after he had retired but I still hear clients come in to this day, wanting to see Peter and talk to Peter," she said.
"Anecdotally, I've also now heard him described as the worst family law practitioner because he always seemed to resolve the disputes between the parties."
Mr Duffy's daughter Sara has also paid tribute to the "salt-of-the-earth" solicitor.
MJ. Duffy & Son was the "country firm that loved, cared and looked after everyone no matter what colour, what creed, what faith", she said.
Mr Duffy's sporting and coaching prowess, along the assistance he provided to many clubs and associations as their honorary solicitor, earned him the respect of many including Dubbo Kangaroos Rugby Club life member Frank Newman.
"Peter was one of those great Dubbo characters who worked tirelessly helping others," he said.
Mr Duffy, who "lived his faith every day", was wed to wife Marie for 64 years.
He was the father of eight children, grandfather of 17 and great grandfather of one.
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